FORT PIERCE – After an 0-5 start to their season, the John Carroll Golden Rams have experienced a turnaround of sorts.
It started with a 21-18 comeback road win over Seminole Ridge, which was highlighted by a late long punt return for a touchdown by Jaydien Pittman (‘27 ATH).
This happened in Week 6 on Friday, Sept. 29.
And then eight days later, it was a true coming out party for multiple Golden Rams players at home in a 43-0 win over Dr. Joaquin Garcia on Saturday, Oct. 7.
“It was a true team effort and we did great in all three phases of the game,” John Carroll head coach Mickey Groody said. “We have been working on playing a complete game and I think we did that Saturday night.”
There were at least a few standouts that helped to make the team’s best game to date possible.
Jaden Mackey, our MVP of Week 7, finished with three catches for 87 yards and a touchdown.
Groody broke down the ‘24 ATH’s impact on the game itself.
“He has been a huge bright spot for us on offense all year long and it continued Saturday night,” Groody said. “I believe half of his receptions go for touchdowns.”
Jacob Morales, our Offensive Player of Week 7, finished with two receptions for 23 yards and a 45-yard touchdown run.
“Jacob is by far the best route runner we have on this team,” Groody said of the ‘25 WR. “He’s a leader by the way he carries himself on and off the field. Excited for his offseason and what colleges come to talk about him.”
D’Angelo Bonilla, our Defensive Player of Week 7, finished with four tackles (two tackles for loss) one sack, and one blocked punt.
“D’Angelo has been a utility player for us all year on defense, and has stepped up in a big way so much so we now have him as our middle linebacker,” Groody said of the ‘25 LB/DB. “He leads the team in tackles and has turned into the defensive leader.”
Mustapha Strachan, our Breakout Player of Week 7, finished with two carries for 24 yards and a touchdown.
“Mustapha has never played football before in his life,” Groody said of the ‘24 ATH. “He came over from the Bahamas and has been such a bright spot for our team.”
Trey Jackson, a nominee for our Lineman of Week 7, played both ways on the offensive line and defensive line to help his team earn the 43-point margin of victory this past weekend.
“Trey Jackson has been so reliable on the defensive line,” Groody said of the ‘26 DL. “He has even had to play some offensive line for us as well. He is one of those guys who coaches love to coach because he is so coachable. A student athlete who truly love the game and understands it.”
Yatzil Villanueva, our Special Teams Player of Week 7, made at least one extra point as the team’s kicker.
“Yatzil is in his first year of playing varsity football as our starting kicker,” Groody said of the ‘26 K/P. “He has been consistent in everything we have asked him to do, including a fake punt he took for a 11-yard gain and a first down a few weeks back.”
Sum it all up, and what we see here is a true team effort from a collective that is willing to learn and grow together.
“These kids I have this year are resilient,” Groody said. “In today’s society, it’s popular to quit when things aren’t going your way or stop trying when life gets tough. This group has taken the road less traveled and has come to work every week this year, even after being 0-5. Regardless of what comes of our season the rest of the way, these kids will be better people when they leave JCHS (John Carroll High School) because of how they have handled adversity this year and continue to come to work day in and day out. I am so proud of every member of my team and staff.”
A big prize opportunity awaits John Carroll tonight, as the Treasure Coast’s sole Class 1S program will travel north to Sarasota and face off against Cardinal Mooney (5-1) for the District 6-1S title.
At stake is both the district title and the possibility of hosting at least one Class 1S playoff game in November, something that John Carroll accomplished in last season’s state semifinal run.
“It would be a great reward for what all these kids have been through this year,” Groody said. “But even if it doesn’t go on our favor, I know this group will show up Monday ready to go to work.”
PHOTO CREDITS: Thomas Allen
